In 2004, Bernard Genest and Camille Lapointe published a research paper about the intangible cultural heritage as a social and economical wealth, token of the Quebec Ministery of Culture policy. Françoise ... [more ▼]

In 2004, Bernard Genest and Camille Lapointe published a research paper about the intangible cultural heritage as a social and economical wealth, token of the Quebec Ministery of Culture policy. Françoise Lempereur shows the relevance of this document and analyses it. [less ▲]

The surface of the lipid-degrading yeast, Yarrowia lipolytica, was characterized by contact angle and zeta potential (ζ) measurements. The cells were mainly hydrophilic with a negative charge that was ... [more ▼]

A mechatronic system is an assembly of technological components, such as a mechanism, sensors, actuators, and a control unit. Recently, a number of researchers and industrial manufacturers have ... [more ▼]

A mechatronic system is an assembly of technological components, such as a mechanism, sensors, actuators, and a control unit. Recently, a number of researchers and industrial manufacturers have highlighted the potential advantages of lightweight parallel mechanisms with respect to the accuracy, dynamic performances, construction cost, and transportability issues. The design of a mechatronic system with such a mechanism, requires a multidisciplinary approach, where the mechanical deformations have to be considered. This thesis proposes two original contributions in this framework. First, a modular and systematic method is developed for the integrated simulation of mechatronic systems, which accounts for the strongly coupled dynamics of the mechanical and non-mechanical components. The equations of motion are formulated using the nonlinear Finite Element approach for the mechanism, and the block diagram language for the control system. The time integration algorithm relies on the generalized-alpha method, known in structural dynamics. Hence, well-defined concepts from mechanics and from system dynamics are combined in a unified formulation, with guaranteed convergence and stability properties. Several applications are treated in the fields of robotics and vehicle dynamics. Usual methods in flexible multibody dynamics lead to complex nonlinear models, not really suitable for control design. Therefore, a systematic nonlinear model reduction technique is presented, which transforms an initial high-order Finite Element model into a low-order and explicit model. The order reduction is obtained using the original concept of Global Modal Parameterization: the motion of the assembled mechanism is described in terms of rigid and flexible modes, which have a global physical interpretation in the configuration space. The reduction procedure involves the component-mode technique and an approximation strategy in the configuration space. Two examples are presented: a four-bar mechanism, and a parallel kinematic machine-tool. Finally, both simulation and modeling tools are exploited for the dynamic analysis and the control design of an experimental lightweight manipulator with hydraulic actuators. A Finite Element model is first constructed and validated with experimental data. A reduced model is derived, and an active vibration controller is designed on this basis. The simulation of the closed-loop mechatronic system predicts remarkable performances. The model-based controller is also implemented on the test-bed, and the experimental results agree with the simulation results. The performances and the other advantages of the control strategy demonstrate the relevance of our developments in mechatronics. [less ▲]

INTRODUCTION: Neonatal cardiac surgery is associated with a systemic inflammatory reaction that might compromise the reactivity of blood cells against an inflammatory stimulus. Our prospective study was ... [more ▼]

INTRODUCTION: Neonatal cardiac surgery is associated with a systemic inflammatory reaction that might compromise the reactivity of blood cells against an inflammatory stimulus. Our prospective study was aimed at testing this hypothesis. METHODS: We investigated 17 newborn infants with transposition of the great arteries undergoing arterial switch operation. Ex vivo production of the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), of the regulator of the acute-phase response IL-6, and of the natural anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in the cell culture supernatant after whole blood stimulation by the endotoxin lipopolysaccharide before, 5 and 10 days after the operation. Results were analyzed with respect to postoperative morbidity. RESULTS: The ex vivo production of TNF-alpha and IL-6 was significantly decreased (P < 0.001 and P < 0.002, respectively), whereas ex vivo production of IL-10 tended to be lower 5 days after the operation in comparison with preoperative values (P < 0.1). Ex vivo production of all cytokines reached preoperative values 10 days after cardiac surgery. Preoperative ex vivo production of IL-6 was inversely correlated with the postoperative oxygenation index 4 hours and 24 hours after the operation (P < 0.02). In contrast, postoperative ex vivo production of cytokines did not correlate with postoperative morbidity. CONCLUSION: Our results show that cardiac surgery in newborn infants is associated with a transient but significant decrease in the ex vivo production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-6 together with a less pronounced decrease in IL-10 production. This might indicate a transient postoperative anti-inflammatory shift of the cytokine balance in this age group. Our results suggest that higher preoperative ex vivo production of IL-6 is associated with a higher risk for postoperative pulmonary dysfunction. [less ▲]

The main objective of the PROMPT project was to develop new innovative tools and solutions to improve the conditions of walking in cities. Their scope ranges from the urban level to the detailed street ... [more ▼]

The main objective of the PROMPT project was to develop new innovative tools and solutions to improve the conditions of walking in cities. Their scope ranges from the urban level to the detailed street level. They are aimed at problem identification, design and planning as well as at the implementation of considered measures in widely different situations. [less ▲]

We explored rates and stoichiometry (C: N: P ratios) of sinking particles in a temperate reservoir during a 2-yr period. Plankton was sampled weekly, and a sediment trap placed below the metalimnion ... [more ▼]

We explored rates and stoichiometry (C: N: P ratios) of sinking particles in a temperate reservoir during a 2-yr period. Plankton was sampled weekly, and a sediment trap placed below the metalimnion collected sinking particles. There were no significant relationships between the stoichiometry of entrapped material and seston or zooplankton stoichiometry. However the differences in the entrapped C: P and N: P ratios between consecutive trap samplings were negatively correlated with the time variations of the zooplankton C: P and N: P ratios. Zooplankton C: P and N: P ratios were positively correlated with the percentage of copepod biomass in total zooplankton biomass > 250 mu m and negatively correlated with the percentage of cladocerans. Zooplankton biomass > 250 mu m reduced the fraction of N and P primary production lost to sinking (export ratio). The residuals of the N export ratio versus zooplankton biomass relationship were negatively correlated with the zooplankton N: P ratio, whereas there was a positive relationship with the residuals of the P export ratio relationship. These observations support the hypothesis that the regulation of elemental homeostasis in the herbivorous zooplankton consumers occurs at least partly at the assimilation/egestion level. Elements ingested in excess-P for the herbivorous copepods and N for many cladocerans-are concentrated into sinking feces, whereas the deficient elements are captured into biomass. [less ▲]